ODM Nairobi Delegates Endorse Winnie Odinga for Deputy Party Leader Post

By Melwin Kiprop 

Delegates from Nairobi County in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)** have endorsed East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP  Winnie Odinga for the position of Deputy Party Leader, signaling a major shift in the party’s internal dynamics.

The endorsement was made during a delegates’ meeting held on Tuesday and chaired by Makadara MP  George Aladwa amid growing internal wrangles within the party. Winnie, daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, received overwhelming backing from Nairobi delegates, positioning her as a key figure in ODM’s future leadership.

During the meeting, delegates also endorsed her as Nairobi’s “Number One Delegate,” a powerful role that grants representation at the party’s top decision-making organs, including the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Central Committee. The position was previously held by her father, Raila Odinga, in one of ODM’s strongest political bases.

“She will sit at the NEC, Central Committee, and be one of the Deputy Party Leaders. Majority of the delegates hereby approve her to represent us,” Aladwa announced during the meeting.

All 17 constituency ODM chairpersons in Nairobi publicly backed Winnie’s elevation, reinforcing her growing influence within the party as a bridge between the younger and older generations of leadership.

In a parallel move, the delegates endorsed George Aladwa for the position of Secretary-General ahead of the upcoming National Delegates Convention (NDC). The position is currently held in an acting capacity by Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo following the controversial removal of Nairobi Senator **Edwin Sifuna**.

Winnie’s endorsement also marks a notable political realignment. She has now publicly associated with the faction linked to her uncle, **Oburu Odinga**, after previously appearing at odds with the group.

Earlier in January, during a rally in Kamukunji, Winnie had taken a divergent stance from party leadership, defending members facing expulsion threats.

“Nobody will be removed from the party. They talk too much, and when we ask questions, they tell us to leave. If we leave, who will they remain with? This is a people’s party, and when we leave, we leave with the people,” she declared.

Previously, Winnie had been seen aligning more closely with the younger faction within ODM, including figures associated with alternative movements such as Linda Mwananchi, as well as leaders like Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

However, following a family meeting convened by Oburu Odinga in February, she has since toned down her public rhetoric and maintained a more measured presence in party affairs.

Her endorsement by Nairobi delegates now places her at the center of ODM’s evolving leadership structure, as the party navigates internal divisions and prepares for its next phase ahead of the National Delegates Convention.